Systems and methods for remotely determining a battery characteristic

ABSTRACT

Included are embodiments for remotely determining a battery characteristic. Some embodiments include searching for a first wireless signal that identifies the energy storage device and, in response to receiving the first wireless signal, determining a current charge level of the energy storage device. Some embodiments include receiving a second wireless signal from the energy storage device, determining from the second wireless signal, whether the current charge level of the energy storage device reaches a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the current charge level of the energy storage device reaches the predetermined threshold, sending, by the computing device, an alert indicating the current charge level.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/660,565 filedJul. 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/259,677,filed Apr. 23, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/837,879,filed Jun. 21, 2013, the entire disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to systems and methods forremotely determining a battery characteristic and specifically toutilize wireless communications to determine charge level and/or healthof a battery or other energy storage device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many electric devices rely on battery power to provide a greater levelof mobility and freedom from power chords. While battery-operateddevices are becoming more desired, oftentimes a battery charge maydeplete during use, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the device.This can create inconveniences due to the unexpected nature of thebattery failure and the uncertainty of locating replacement batteries.As a consequence, many battery-powered devices become less convenient inthese respects, due to these and other limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Included are embodiments for remotely determining a batterycharacteristic. Some embodiments include searching for a first wirelesssignal that identifies the energy storage device and, in response toreceiving the first wireless signal, determining a current charge levelof the energy storage device. Some embodiments include receiving asecond wireless signal from the energy storage device, determining fromthe second wireless signal, whether the current charge level of theenergy storage device reaches a predetermined threshold, and in responseto determining that the current charge level of the energy storagedevice reaches the predetermined threshold, sending, by the computingdevice, an alert indicating the current charge level.

Also included are embodiments of a computing device. Some embodiments ofthe computing device include a processor and a memory component. Thememory component may store logic that, when executed by the processor,causes the computing device to detect a wireless communication signalfrom a battery, determine, from the wireless communication signal, abattery characteristic of the battery, and provide a first userinterface that includes data related to the battery characteristic ofthe battery.

Also included are embodiments of a non-transitory computer-readablemedium. Some embodiments of the non-transitory computer-readable mediuminclude logic that, when executed by a computing device, causes thecomputing device to determine whether an unused or partially used energystorage device is available and within a predetermined range. Inresponse to determining that the unused or partially used energy storagedevice is available and within the predetermined range, the logic maycause the computing device to determine whether the unused or partiallyused energy storage device is compatible with a device that the energystorage device currently powers, and in response to determining that theunused or partially used energy storage device is compatible with thedevice that the energy storage device currently powers, provide a seconduser interface that includes a physical location of the energy storagedevice. In some embodiments, in response to determining that no unusedenergy storage devices are available and within the predetermined range,the logic causes the computing device to facilitate an online purchaseof a replacement energy storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 depicts a computing environment for remotely determining abattery characteristic, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a user computing device that may be utilized for remotelydetermining a battery characteristic, according to embodiments disclosedherein;

FIG. 3 depicts a user interface for searching for batteries and/ordevices, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a user interface for providing a list of locatedbatteries, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a user interface for providing battery level of batteriesthat power a device, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a user interface for providing a battery level for aparticular battery that powers a device, according to embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a user interface for recommending a battery replacementstrategy, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a user interface for identifying that replacementbatteries have been inserted into a device, according to embodimentsdisclosed herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a user interface for providing a list of locatedbattery-operated devices, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a user interface for adding a device for monitoring,according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart illustrating a process that may be utilizedfor remotely determining a battery characteristic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for remotelydetermining a battery characteristic. Specifically, embodimentsdisclosed herein include a user computing device, such as a mobiletelephone, tablet computer, a near field communication (NFC) reader,etc., that is configured for wirelessly receiving a wirelesscommunication signal from a powered device, a battery, and/or otherenergy storage device (broadly referred to herein as a “battery”). Theuser computing device may be incorporated within a device, such as atelevision, an automobile, etc. The battery may include a radiofrequency identifier (RFID) tag, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) transmitter,Bluetooth transmitter, a barcode, and/or other wireless communicator forcommunicating with the computing device. The user computing device mayexchange data with the battery (and/or device that the battery currentlypowers) for monitoring a characteristic of the battery, such as acurrent impedance level, a current charge level, a current depletionrate, etc.

Similarly, some embodiments may be configured such that the usercomputing device communicates with the powered device that is powered bythe battery. In such embodiments, the powered device may thencommunicate with the battery and/or may include testing hardware fordetermining the characteristic of the battery. The powered device maycommunicate information about the usage frequency of the device or otherinformation about the powered device. The user computing device mayprovide the user with usage suggestions as a result of the informationcommunicated to the user computing device from the powered device. Otherembodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure and aredescribed in detail, below.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a computing environmentfor remotely determining a battery characteristic, according toembodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, a network 100 may becoupled to a user computing device 102, a remote computing device 104, abattery 106, and/or a powered device 108. As also shown, the powereddevice 108 may be coupled with a different battery 110. The network 100may include any wide area and/or local area network, such as theinternet, a mobile communications network, a satellite network, a publicservice telephone network (PSTN) and/or other network for facilitatingcommunication between devices. If the network 100 includes a local areanetwork, the local area network may be configured as a communicationpath via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and/or other wireless protocol.

Accordingly, the user computing device 102 may include a personalcomputer, laptop computer, tablet, mobile communications device,database, and/or other computing device that is accessible by a user.The user computing device 102 may additionally include a memorycomponent 140, which stores data capturing logic 144 a and interfacelogic 144 b, described in more detail below.

The remote computing device 104 is also coupled to the network 100 andmay be configured as an online retailer for purchasing additionalbatteries, as an information server for accessing data regarding thebattery 106, a data collection server for monitoring battery usage anduseful life, etc., as described in more detail, below. As an example,the user computing device 102 may recognize that a charge level of adisposable battery or a health of a rechargeable battery that indicatesan expected time that the battery should be replaced. As described inmore detail below, the user computing device 102 may communicate withthe remote computing device 104 to order replacement batteries (or otherreplacement energy storage device).

Similarly, a battery manufacturer may monitor use of battery life andusage for designing new batteries. In addition, or alternatively, thebattery manufacturer may monitor manufacturing and quality-related dataof the battery, such as via the remote computing device 104. In suchembodiments, the remote computing device 104 may function as a serverfor collecting and analyzing such data. In some embodiments, the remotecomputing device 104 may provide a user account for a battery purchaserto monitor battery usage from any computing device with access to thenetwork 100.

Also depicted in FIG. 1 is a battery 106. The battery 106 may take theform of any energy storage device, such as a chemical battery (such asan alkaline primary battery, a lithium primary battery, a nickel-metalhydride rechargeable battery, a lithium ion rechargeable battery, etc.),a dry cell, wet cell, capacitor, and/or others. Regardless of the typeof energy storage device, the battery 106 may be configured with one ormore sensors for determining a battery characteristic (or a plurality ofbattery characteristics). The battery characteristics may include acurrent charge level; a depletion rate; an impedance; an open-circuitvoltage (OCV); a closed-circuit voltage; a discharge rate;discharge/charge cycles; cycle life; a battery type, such as primary orsecondary; a battery size, such as AAA, AA, C, or D; an end of batterylife; battery manufacturing/quality-related data, such as manufacturingdate, material lot number, cell assembly line number, active materialweights, electrolyte weights, and any other manufacturing-relatedinformation; etc. Additionally, the battery 106 may include a wirelesstransmitter, such as an RFID tag, Bluetooth transmitter, Wi-Fitransmitter, etc. for sending data to the user computing device 102and/or the remote computing device 104. The wireless transmitter may beinstalled with the battery during manufacturing and/or applied after thebattery is manufactured. The data may include the batterycharacteristics, a battery identifier, a powered device identifier,location information, a physical location, and/or other information.

While the battery 106 is depicted as not powering a powered device, thisis merely an example. As discussed in more detail below, the usercomputing device 102 and/or the remote computing device 104 may beconfigured to communicate with batteries that are powering devices,unused, and/or partially used, but not currently powering a powereddevice. As such, the battery 106 may or may not be currently powering apowered device. Similarly, the battery 106 may or may not be currentlycharged by a battery charging device.

Additionally depicted in FIG. 1 is a powered device 108 thatcommunicates with the user computing device 102 and/or the remotecomputing device 104. Specifically, while some embodiments disclosedherein may include a battery 106 that is configured for sending wirelesssignals to the user computing device 102 and/or the remote computingdevice 104, this is merely an example. Specifically, the battery 110 maypower the powered device 108 and thus may be electrically coupled withthe powered device 108. Accordingly, the powered device 108 may beconfigured to communicate information with the battery 110, such that inresponse to the powered device 108 receiving a battery characteristicand/or other data, the powered device 108 may communicate with the usercomputing device 102 and/or the remote computing device 104, asdescribed above. Such an embodiment accommodates situations where thebattery 110 does not include a wireless transmitter. Similarly, someembodiments may be configured such that the powered device 108 includesone or more sensors for determining the battery characteristic, as wellas logic for determining a battery identifier.

It should also be understood that while the user computing device 102and the remote computing device 104 are each depicted as individualdevices, these are merely examples. Either of these devices may includeone or more personal computers, servers, laptops, tablets, mobilecomputing devices, data storage devices, mobile phones, etc. that areconfigured for providing the functionality described herein. It shouldadditionally be understood that other computing devices may also beincluded in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

Similarly, while single batteries 106 and 110, as well as a singlepowered device 108 are depicted in FIG. 1, this is also merely anexample. As is understood, a plurality of batteries (or a plurality ofenergy storage devices) may power a device, such as powered device 108.Accordingly, the user computing device 102 and/or the remote computingdevice 104 may be configured to communicate with a plurality ofdifferent batteries, powering a plurality of different devices, and/ornot currently associated with a device.

FIG. 2 depicts a user computing device 102 that may be utilized forremotely determining a battery characteristic, according to embodimentsdisclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the user computingdevice 102 includes a processor 230, input/output hardware 232, networkinterface hardware 234, a data storage component 236 (which storesbattery data 238 a and device data 238 b), and the memory component 140.The memory component 140 includes hardware and may be configured asvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory and, as such, may include randomaccess memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flashmemory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD),and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums.Depending on the particular embodiment, the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may reside within the user computing device 102and/or external to the user computing device 102. Additionally, thememory component 140 may be configured to store operating logic 242, thedata capturing logic 144 a, and the interface logic 144 b, each of whichmay be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as anexample. A local communications interface 246 is also included in FIG. 2and may be implemented as a bus or other interface to facilitatecommunication among the components of the user computing device 102.

The processor 230 may include any hardware processing component operableto receive and execute instructions (such as from the data storagecomponent 236 and/or memory component 140). The input/output hardware232 may include and/or be configured to interface with a monitor,keyboard, mouse, printer, camera, microphone, speaker, and/or otherdevice for receiving, sending, and/or presenting data. The networkinterface hardware 234 may include and/or be configured forcommunicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, asatellite, an antenna, a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)card, RFID receiver, Bluetooth receiver, image recognizer (forrecognizing a battery and/or other data related to the battery in placeof the other wireless data communication mediums), bar code reader,WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware forcommunicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection,communication may be facilitated between the user computing device 102,the battery 106, the powered device 108, the remote computing device104, and/or other computing devices. It should be understood that thedata storage component 236 may reside local to and/or remote from theuser computing device 102 and may be configured to store one or morepieces of data for access by the user computing device 102 and/or othercomponents. In some embodiments, the data storage component 236 may belocated remotely from the user computing device 102 and thus accessiblevia the network 100. In some embodiments however, the data storagecomponent 236 may merely be a peripheral device, but external to theuser computing device 102.

Included in the memory component 140 are the operating logic 242, thedata capturing logic 144 a, and the interface logic 144 b. The operatinglogic 242 may include an operating system and/or other software formanaging components of the user computing device 102. Similarly, thedata capturing logic 144 a may be configured to cause the user computingdevice 102 to detect and receive communications from the battery 106and/or the powered device 108. The interface logic 144 b may cause theuser computing device 102 to make determinations from the received data,as well as provide user interfaces, communicate with the remotecomputing device 104, and/or perform other operations, as discussedbelow.

It should be understood that the components illustrated in FIG. 2 aremerely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure. While the components in FIG. 2 are illustrated as residingwithin the user computing device 102, this is merely an example. In someembodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to theuser computing device 102.

FIG. 3 depicts a user interface 330 for searching for batteries and/orpowered devices, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Asillustrated, the user computing device 102 may provide the userinterface 330 (and/or other user interfaces described herein).Specifically, the user interface 330 may be provided as part of asoftware application, such as those downloaded for a mobile telephone orother device. Once the software application is launched (which may becaused by a user input and/or detection of a readable battery or powereddevice), the user interface 330 may be provided for searching forbatteries in the vicinity of the user computing device 102.

As discussed above, the battery 106 and/or the powered device 108 mayinclude a wireless communication mechanism, such as an RFID tag, Wi-Fitransmitter, etc. Accordingly, the user computing device 102 may detectwhich batteries are within range of the user computing device 102.Similarly, some embodiments may be configured such that the batteriescommunicate with a device, such as a router or other bridging devicethat is communicatively coupled to a local network. This device mayadditionally communicate with the user computing device 102 to allow theuser computing device 102 the ability to monitor the batteries and/ordevices, even when the user computing device 102 is not within range tocommunicate directly with the batteries and/or other devices. Suchembodiments may serve useful, such as if the user is shopping and cannotremember which batteries need replacing.

Also included in the user interface 330 is a user option, such as asearch devices option 332. The search devices option 332 may activate afeature for the user computing device 102 to locate powered devices,instead of batteries. As described above, certain powered devices may beequipped with the ability to communicate battery characteristics withthe user computing device 102.

FIG. 4 depicts a user interface 430 for providing located batteries,according to embodiments disclosed herein. In response to the usercomputing device 102 detecting one or more batteries, the user interface430 may be provided. As illustrated, the user interface 430 may provideuser options, such as battery options 432 a-432 f (collectively referredto as “battery options 432”) of batteries that were located, as well asadditional information about the batteries. Such additional informationmay include a battery type, a powered device type, a physical location,and/or other information. In response to selection of one or more of thebattery options 432, additional details may be provided. Also includedis a devices option 434. In response to selection of the devices option434, listing of located powered devices may be provided.

FIG. 5 depicts a user interface 530 for providing battery level ofbatteries that power a device, according to embodiments disclosedherein. In response to selection of the battery option 432 a from FIG.4, the user interface 530 may be provided. Specifically, the userinterface 530 includes battery condition indicators 532 a, 532 b, and532 c, which provide a graphical representation of whether the batteriesin the remote control should be replaced. The battery conditionindicator 532 a signifies that a battery that is in good condition. Thebattery condition indicator 532 b signifies that a battery is in awarning condition. The battery indicator 532 c signifies that a batteryis in a replacement condition. As an example, battery conditionindicator 532 a may represent a battery that has 100 −67 chargeremaining. The battery condition indicator 532 b may represent a batterythat has 67 −33 charge remaining. The battery indicator 532 c mayrepresent a battery that has 33 −0 charge remaining.

Also provided in the user interface 530 are individual battery statuses534. Specifically, while a particular powered device (such as the remotecontrol depicted in FIG. 5) may utilize a plurality of batteries. Assuch, all of those batteries may need to have a certain charge level tocause the powered device to operate. However, this does not necessarilymean that all of the batteries need to be replaced. Specifically, if oneof the batteries is in poor condition with regard to the other batteriesthat power the powered device 108, the individual battery statuses 534may provide this information.

Also included are a view all option 536 and a recommendations option538. In response to selection of the view all option 536, informationrelated to all of the batteries in the powered device may be provided.In response to selection of the recommendations option 538,recommendations for replacing the batteries may be provided.

FIG. 6 depicts a user interface 630 for providing a battery level for aparticular battery that powers a powered device 108, according toembodiments disclosed herein. In response to selection of one of theindividual battery statuses 534 from FIG. 5, the user interface 630 maybe provided. As illustrated, the user interface 630 includes a graphicalrepresentation 632 that includes the battery and a representation of abattery characteristic. Also included are a textual remaining chargeindicator 634 a, and a time until replacement indicator 634 b. The userinterface 630 may also identify a battery type, as well as another usefor the battery in its current condition. Identifying battery type maybe utilized to determine authenticated and/or counterfeited brandedbatteries to determine the authenticity of a battery that is placed inuse. Additionally, the identification may be utilized for monitor andcrediting a user's proper maintenance of batteries. As an example, theidentifier may be coupled with logic described herein to indicate when(and/or where) a battery should be recycled. The consumer recyclinghabits may be recorded and the user may be provided with coupons,credits, or other incentives for recycling.

Specifically, if the battery is currently being used in a powered devicethat consumes large amounts of power (such as a camera); the battery maybe considered depleted. However, the battery may be capable for use in adifferent powered device that consumes less power (such as a clock).Accordingly, the user computing device 102 may determine battery usageof the detected powered devices and may recommend an alternative use forthe battery. If no alternative use is available, the user computingdevice 102 may recommend discarding or recharging the battery.Accordingly, a recommendations option 636 is also provided in FIG. 6. Inresponse to selection of the recommendations option 636, otherrecommendations for the battery may be provided.

It should be understood that the user computing device 102 may beconfigured to determine a depletion rate of one or more of thebatteries. As an example, some embodiments may be configured such thatthe powered device 108 and/or the battery 106 are configured todetermine the depletion rate and send this information to the usercomputing device 102. As another example, some embodiments may beconfigured such that the powered device 108 is configured to communicatethe device type to the user computing device 102. The user computingdevice 102 may use the device type in combination with a discharge modelstored within the memory of the user computing device 102 to determinethe depletion rate. As another example, some embodiments may beconfigured such that the user computing device 102 includes a devicelookup table within its memory. The user may select the powered device108 from the lookup table and input the selected device into the usercomputing device 102. The user computing device 102 may use the devicetype that the user inputs in combination with a discharge model storedwithin the memory of the user computing device 102 to determine thedepletion rate. As another example, the user computing device 102 mayinclude image recognition capabilities. The user may take a picture ofthe powered device 108 with the user computing device 102. The usercomputing device 102 may use the device type in combination with adischarge model stored within the memory of the user computing device102 to determine the depletion rate. Similarly, some embodiments areconfigured such that the battery (and/or powered device) merely sendsthe user computing device 102 a first wireless signal that identifies acurrent charge level. The battery (and/or powered device) may send asecond wireless signal at a second time that identifies a charge levelat that time. From this information, the user computing device 102 maydetermine a depletion rate of the battery 106. Additionally, the usercomputing device 102 may identify an external condition that affects thebattery characteristic of the battery 106. As an example, temperature,humidity, and/or other factors may affect depletion rate and/or othercharacteristics of the battery. Accordingly, the user computing device102 may account for one or more of these external conditions determinethe current depletion rate of the battery. The depletion rate may alsobe displayed graphically by the user computing device 102. For example,an x-y graph of voltage versus time may be displayed by the usercomputing device 102 to indicate to the consumer the depletion rate ofthe battery 106 and/or the battery 110 within the powered device 108.

FIG. 7 depicts a user interface 730 for recommending a batteryreplacement strategy, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Inresponse to selection of the recommendations option 538 from FIG. 5and/or the recommendations option 636 from FIG. 6, the user interface730 may be provided. As illustrated, the user interface 730 includes aphysical location of batteries that may be utilized as a replacementbattery. Specifically, the user computing device 102 may determinewhether a partially used or unused battery (or other unused energystorage device) is available and within a predetermined range (such asin the user's house). As indicated, the batteries may be currentlyunused batteries, partially used batteries that are not currently in useand/or partially used batteries that are currently in use (such as thosethat are depleted for their current powered device). Additionally, theuser interface 730 includes an unused option 732, a partially usedoption 734, and a purchase option 736.

In response to selection of the unused option 732, the user isindicating to the user computing device 102 that the replacementbatteries will be the unused batteries recommended in the user interface730. Selection of the partially used option 734 indicates that thepartially used batteries will be used. Selection of the purchase option736 opens another user interface and/or otherwise facilitates purchaseof (or directs the user of where to purchase) replacement batteries.

Specifically, some embodiments may be configured to make a predictionregarding an expected time that a battery may deplete to a predeterminedcharge level. The user computing device 102 may additionally determinewhether this predicted time falls within a predetermined timeframe(e.g., such as within two days). Accordingly, embodiments may beconfigured to, in response to determining that the expected time fallswithin the predetermined timeframe, facilitate a purchase, for exampleonline or in-store, of a replacement battery. The user computing device102 may include global positioning system (GPS) capability to direct theconsumer to the nearest retail outlet to purchase the replacementbattery. The user computing device 102 may connect to an inventoryand/or cost database of the retail outlets to enable the user to make aninformed decision as to which retail outlet to purchase the replacementbattery. The user computing device 102 may also recommend a method ofdisposal or a method of recycling a depleted battery.

Similarly, some embodiments may be configured to determine whether abattery has entered a retail establishment. If so, the user computingdevice 102 may be provided with a coupon or discount for replacing thatbattery (such as during that visit). Additional discounts and/or digitalmarketing may be provided to the user, based on pick lists, guidingquestions, user profile information, and/or other information about theuser.

FIG. 8 depicts a user interface 830 for identifying that replacementbatteries have been inserted into a device, according to embodimentsdisclosed herein. In response to selection of the unused option 732 fromFIG. 7, the user interface 830 may be provided. As illustrated, the userinterface 830 includes a statement of the selected batteries, as well asan inserted option 832, a back option 834, and a devices option 836.Once the user has inserted the replacement batteries into the powereddevice, the user may select the inserted option 832, so the usercomputing device 102 may begin acquiring data regarding this new use.Selection of the back option 834 returns the user to the user interface730 from FIG. 7 to reselect the batteries that will be used. Selectionof the devices option 836 allows the user to view other detected powereddevices. It will be understood that while the user may manually providethe user input discussed with regard to FIGS. 7 and 8, this is merely anexample. Specifically, some embodiments may be configured toautomatically detect the batteries that are inserted into a powereddevice. In such embodiments, the user need not select the batteries thatwill be inserted or indicate when the batteries are inserted into thepowered device.

FIG. 9 depicts a user interface 930 for providing locatedbattery-operated devices, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Inresponse to selection of the search devices option 332 from FIG. 3and/or the devices option 434 from FIG. 4, the user interface 930 may beprovided. As discussed above, the user computing device 102 may searchfor batteries and/or powered devices. Accordingly the user interface 930may provide device options 932 a-932 g. In response to selection of oneof the device options 932 a-932 g, additional information regarding thepowered device and/or the batteries that power the powered device may beprovided. As an example, the user computing device 102 may predict atime frame for the battery to deplete to a predetermined charge level.This information may be provided in the user interface 930. Alsoincluded in the user interface 930 is an add device option 934. The adddevice option 934 provides the user with the ability to manually add adevice that may have otherwise not been detected, as described in moredetail below. The user computing device 102 may include imagerecognition capabilities. The user may take a picture of the powereddevice with the user computing device 102. The picture, or other image,of the powered device may be associated with the powered device. Thepicture, or other image, of the powered device may be provided in theuser interface 930.

FIG. 10 depicts a user interface 1030 for adding a device formonitoring, according to embodiments disclosed herein. In response toselection of the add device option 934 from FIG. 9, the user interface1030 may be provided. As illustrated, the user interface 1030 mayinclude a device name option 1032, a device type option 1034, a devicebrand option 1036, and a battery type option 1038. In response toselection of the device name option 1032, the user may input a devicename for the new device. In response to selection of the device typeoption 1034, the user may input a device type. In response to selectionof the device brand option 1036 the user may input a brand of thedevice, a model number, and/or other similar data. In response toselection of the battery type option 1038, the user may input the sizeof the battery that the powered device receives and/or other similardata. The user computing device 102 may include image recognitioncapabilities. The user may take a picture of the device with the usercomputing device 102. The picture, or other image, of the device may beassociated with the powered device. The picture, or other image, of thepowered device may be provided in the user interface 1030.

FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart illustrating a process that may be utilizedfor remotely determining a battery characteristic. As illustrated inblock 1150, a search may be performed for a first wireless signal (anincoming wireless signal) that identifies an energy storage device. Inblock 1152, in response to receiving the first wireless signal, acharacteristic of the energy storage device may be determined. In block1154, a second wireless signal may be received from the energy storagedevice. In block 1156, a determination may be made, from the secondelectrical signal, whether the characteristic of the energy storagedevice reaches a predetermined threshold. This determination may includedetermining whether the battery charge is depleted beyond apredetermined threshold. Other examples include scenarios where theimpedance changes beyond a predetermined threshold, whether batterycharge depletes at a rate beyond a predetermined threshold, etc. Inblock 1158, in response to determining that the characteristic of theenergy storage device reaches the predetermined threshold, an alert maybe sent indicating the characteristic.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or and any patent application or patent to which this applicationclaims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwiselimited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it isprior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein orthat it alone, or in any combination with any other reference orreferences, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further,to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this documentconflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a documentincorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to thatterm in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device for remotely monitoringbattery activity comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory memorycomponent that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causesthe computing device to perform at least the following: detect awireless communication associated with a battery powering a powereddevice; determine, from the wireless communication signal, a batterycharacteristic of the battery; provide, via a software applicationexecuting on the computing device, a first user interface that includesdata related to the battery characteristic of the battery; predict acharge remaining in the battery; based on the predicted chargeremaining, determine whether an unused or partially used battery isavailable and within a predetermined range; in response to determiningwhether the unused or partially used battery is available and within thepredetermined range, determine whether the unused or partially usedbattery is compatible with the powered device; and in response todetermining that the unused or partially used battery is compatible withthe powered device, provide, via a software application executing on thecomputing device, a second user interface that includes an indication ofa physical location of the unused or partially used battery.
 2. Thecomputing device of claim 1, wherein the logic further causes thecomputing device to determine at least one of the following: a batterytype, a physical location of the battery, and a device type of thepowered device.
 3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein based on thepredicted charge remaining, the logic further causes the computingdevice to facilitate a purchase of a replacement battery.
 4. Thecomputing device of claim 1, wherein the logic further causes thecomputing device to determine a current depletion rate of the battery.5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein the logic further causes thecomputing device to determine an external condition that affects thebattery characteristic of the battery and utilize the external conditionto determine the current depletion rate of the battery.
 6. The computingdevice of claim 4, wherein the logic further causes the computing deviceto: identify a second powered device associated with a depletion rateless than the determined depletion rate of the battery; and provide, viaa software application executing on the computing device, a userinterface that presents a recommendation that the battery should beutilized in the identified second powered device.
 7. The computingdevice of claim 1, wherein the logic further causes the computing deviceto predict an expected time when the battery will be replaced.
 8. Amethod for remotely monitoring activity of an energy storage device,comprising: searching, by a computing device, for a first wirelesssignal that identifies the energy storage device powering a powereddevice; in response to receiving the first wireless signal, determining,by the computing device, a current charge level of the energy storagedevice; receiving, by the computing device, a second wireless signalfrom the energy storage device; determining, by the computing devicefrom the second wireless signal, whether the current charge level of theenergy storage device reaches a predetermined threshold; in response todetermining that the current charge level of the energy storage devicereaches the predetermined threshold, sending, by the computing device,an alert indicating the current charge level; determining whether anunused or partially used energy storage device is available and within apredetermined range; and in response to determining whether the unusedor partially used energy storage device is available and within thepredetermined range, determining whether the unused or partially usedenergy storage device is compatible with the powered device, and inresponse to determining that the unused energy storage device iscompatible with the powered device, providing a user interface thatincludes a physical location of the unused or partially used energystorage device.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising predictinga time that the current charge level will reach the predeterminedthreshold.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining atleast one of the following: a device type of the energy storage device,a physical location of the energy storage device, and a device type ofthe powered device.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: inresponse to determining that no unused energy storage devices areavailable and within the predetermined range, facilitating an onlinepurchase of a replacement energy storage device.
 12. The method of claim8, further comprising: determining an external condition that affectsthe current charge level of the energy storage device; predicting, fromthe external condition, a time that the current charge level of theenergy storage device will reach the predetermined threshold; andproviding the time to a user.
 13. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising receiving location information of a plurality of energystorage devices that are located within a predetermined range.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising: identifying a second powereddevice associated with a depletion rate less than a depletion rate ofthe powered device; and provide to a user a recommendation that theenergy storage device should be utilized in the identified secondpowered device.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium forremotely monitoring activity of an energy storage device powering apowered device that stores logic that, when executed by a processor,causes a computing device to perform the following: search for anincoming wireless signal that identifies the energy storage device; inresponse to receiving the wireless signal, determine a current chargelevel and a depletion rate of the energy storage device; determine, fromthe current charge level and the depletion rate, a time when the currentcharge level of the energy storage device reaches a predeterminedthreshold; in response to determining that the current charge level ofthe energy storage device reaches the predetermined threshold, provide,via a software application executing on the computing device, a firstuser interface indicating the current charge level; determine whether anunused or partially used energy storage device is available and within apredetermined range; and in response to determining that the unused orpartially used energy storage device is available and within thepredetermined range, determine whether the unused energy storage deviceis compatible with the powered device, and in response to determiningthat the unused energy storage device is compatible with the powereddevice, provide, via a software application executing on the computingdevice, a second user interface that includes a physical location of theunused or partially used energy storage device.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the logic further causesthe computing device to predict a time that the current charge levelwill reach the predetermined threshold.
 17. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein in response to the logicfurther causes the computing device to determine that no unused energystorage devices are available and within the predetermined range,facilitate a purchase of a replacement energy storage device.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the logicfurther causes the computing device to determine a device type for thepowered device.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim15, wherein the logic further causes the computing device to determine adevice type for the energy storage device.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the logic further causesthe computing device to perform at least the following: determine anexternal condition that affects the current charge level of the energystorage device; predict, from the external condition, a time that thecurrent charge level of the energy storage device will reach thepredetermined threshold; and provide the time to a user.